Newcastle's impressive run of four straight wins earned him - and Tim Krul, the top flight's Player of the Month - the acclaim but the presentation was made after his team's rich vein of form came to an end.

Pardew's side were beaten 3-0 at Swansea on Wednesday night and then endured a bumpy flight back to the North East before starting preparations for tomorrow's big game against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The awards were well deserved after Newcastle beat Chelsea, Tottenham, Norwich and West Brom last month.

But it is only the second time Pardew has won the award in his career and the first since taking charge at St James' Park three years ago.

Surprisingly, it is also the first time since Sir Bobby Robson was in charge at the club 10 years ago, that a Newcastle manager has claimed the prize.

Goalkeeper Krul has been earning rave reviews all season and was critical to his team's success last month.

He kept clean sheets against Chelsea and Tottenham, making a total of 14 saves against Spurs as Newcastle were stretched in the 1-0 win at White Hart Lane.

Krul said: "It's a great honour but it's one for the whole team. It was a fantastic month - four big wins. It's nice that we have been recognised and this award is definitely going to take pride of place in my house."

Readers' Comments

H

aha, as a German supporting United I can only agree with your great insight in German football! No idea why, but I HATE Eintracht Braunschweig and please don't ever place a bet on Leverkusen, they mess up my ticket every time!

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